In pictures: Obama in Israel

20 March 2013
Last updated at 15:37

Images from US President Barack Obama's first visit to Israel as president.

Barack Obama has arrived in Israel for a three-day visit - his first to the country since he was elected US president in 2008. His relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been frosty, and observers were paying close attention to the body language between the two.

After landing at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, Mr Obama spoke of the "unbreakable bond" between the US and Israel. He acknowledged "difficulties" with the stalled peace process, but said the US would "never lose sight of the vision of an Israel at peace with its neighbours".

Mr Obama also reaffirmed America's "unwavering commitment to Israel's security". Before he left the airport he was shown part of Israel's Iron Dome defence system against rocket attacks.

After flying by helicopter to Jerusalem, Mr Obama visited Israeli President Shimon Peres' residence, where he was greeted by schoolchildren.

Both Israelis and Palestinians used the visit to advertise their demands. In Jerusalem, a wall was plastered with posters calling for the release of Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard, who was jailed for life in the US in 1987.

In Gaza City, Palestinians - some dressed as ghosts to depict Israeli soldiers - held a protest demanding the release of Samer al-Issawi, who has been on a hunger strike in an Israeli prison.